TikTok to limit screen time for users under 18

If you're a TikTok user, then you'll know that the app is seriously addictive.

I've lost count of the number of times I've got into bed, said I'd treat myself to 10 minutes on the app, and still been scrolling hours later. You never know what you're going to find on TikTok:

Now, in a bid to combat the addictive nature of the platform, a time limit has been introduced for users under the age of 18.

News of the new feature was announced today (1 March), when TikTok announced that anyone under 18 will be unable to use the app for more than 60 minutes a day.

After this, users will be asked to enter a passcode if they want to continue using the app.

The China-based social media company will also be introducing further protections for children in the form of automatically setting profiles belonging to users aged 13 to 15 to private.

Parents and guardians will also be given the opportunity to limit children's usage of the app and they can turn off TikTok notifications at certain times - such as when children are in school.

In addition to this, only users over the age of 18 will be allowed to go 'Live' on TikTok and those under 16 on the app will not be able to direct message each other.

Alamy / True Images

While the new features have only just been announced, TikTok said that they will be available 'in the coming weeks.'

Cormac Keenan, Head of Trust and Safety at TikTok, said in a statement: "While there's no collectively-endorsed position on how much screen time is 'too much', or even the impact of screen time more broadly, we recognise that teens typically require extra support as they start to explore the online world independently."

The magnitude of today's news for teens can't be underestimated either, as they are some of the app's biggest users.

The Pew Research centre conducted a study in August of last year that found that 67 percent of American teenagers used the app - and 16 percent of teenagers worldwide said they were on it 'constantly'.

Alamy / GH tech

Keenan added in the statement about today's changes: "Today we're announcing new features for teens, families, and our broader community.

"We believe digital experiences should bring joy and play a positive role in how people express themselves, discover ideas, and connect."

The 60-minute time limit was established in conjunction with the Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children's Hospital, the Mail Online reports.

Topics: TikTok

Emma Guinness